Middlesex County, Virginia

Survey Area VA119• Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Middlesex County, Virginia. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Water	28K			Not rated	Not rated
Emporia loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kempsville sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Suffolk-Remlik complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Emporia-Nevarc complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Slagle silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Suffolk fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Kinston-Bibb complex	4K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Emporia-Nevarc complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Suffolk fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Slagle silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Eunola loam	2K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Suffolk-Remlik complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Myatt loam	1K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bethera and Daleville soils	1K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pocaty muck	1K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ackwater silt loam	1K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bama loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	896	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Emporia loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	777	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kempsville sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	627	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 33% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 58% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.